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Scholarship and Financial Aid Schemes

We understand the challenge of financing a medical education, and strive to help our students tap on available resources to meet financial needs. Depending on financial circumstances, as well as academic performance, students may take on one or a combination of three financing options available - tuition fee loan, bursary, and merit scholarship. About two-thirds of our students are on some form of financial aid. For students enrolling from Academic Year 2017-2018 onwards, financial aid is expected to fall between 26% and 72% of tuition fees payable (exclusive of miscellaneous fees). The amount of financial aid varies depending on the financial circumstances of a student, which may include that of self, immediate family, and/or spouse as applicable.

Tuition Fee Loan

Students with financial need are expected to take up a Tuition Fee Loan. Any financial aid provided by the school is intended to only assist in meeting those needs not met by the Tuition Fee Loan.

Matriculating students of all nationalities may apply for the Tuition Fee Loan (TFL), administered by two Singapore agent banks, which can be taken in various amounts up to a maximum amount that is equal to 90% of tuition fees payable by Singapore Citizens.

About three-quarters of our Doctor of Medicine (MD) students have taken up the TFL. Limits may exist for students who have already been awarded bursaries/scholarships which cover the tuition fee, although these generally do not apply to scholarships awarded using Duke-NUS resources. Details on the TFL are available at the NUS Registrar’s Office website.

Bursary

In recent years, over 55% of our MD students have been awarded bursary of varying amounts. For students enrolling from Academic Year 2017-2018 onwards, these amounts are expected to fall between 26% and 72% of tuition fees payable (exclusive of miscellaneous fees). If invited for an admissions interview, prospective students in need of financial assistance are advised as to how/when to apply for financial aid through an online link. Bursaries are awarded on a yearly basis, and students have to re-submit their application annually. When making decisions regarding bursary awards, Duke-NUS considers financial aid received by students from external sources (such as external scholarships.) It is the responsibility of financial aid applicants to keep Duke-NUS informed of any aid received in particular, and changes in financial circumstances in general. The School reserves the right to reconsider an offer of financial assistance in the event of changes such as receipt of an external award.

The SMA Medical Students’ Assistance Fund was set up by the Singapore Medical Association (SMA) to support the living expenses of needy medical students in Singapore. This is a long term commitment by the medical professional body of doctors and students to help their peers in focusing on what’s important in medicine – being a good and ethical doctor. This Fund is a programme under the SMA Charity Fund (SMACF), an Institution of a Public Character (IPC) and charity in Singapore. Bursaries awarded by SMACF are only available to Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents. More information on the application process can be found here.

Merit Scholarship

There are various types of merit scholarships available, externally and at Duke-NUS. Merit scholarships are generally awarded based on academic achievement and personal attributes such as meaningful involvement in community service or leadership experiences. Several scholarships are valid for 4 years and may be used for tuition, living expenses, or other fees associated with attending Duke-NUS. To be considered for a merit scholarship at Duke-NUS, interested applicants should submit a financial aid application after receiving the invitation to apply for financial aid. Scholarship recipients are selected by the school’s Scholarship Selection Committee. Some examples of merit scholarships are highlighted below.

The Goh Foundation was instituted by philanthropist Mr Goh Cheng Liang to support programs that significantly improve the quality of human lives. The foundation has contributed to countless endeavors in education and healthcare realms, among others.

Goh Foundation Scholarships have been made possible for qualified Duke-NUS students (approximately 4 recipients per year), at an annual value of S$20,000. Candidates must be full-time local or international students at Duke-NUS who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements. Preference may be given to those with demonstrated financial need. The scholarships are tenable for the full duration of studies, up to a maximum of 4 years.

The Lee Foundation was founded in 1952 by philanthropist and businessman, Mr Lee Kong Chian with the aim of supporting educational, cultural, charitable and public organisations.

The Lee Foundation Scholarship for Duke-NUS Medical Students aims to inspire and nurture a strong medical talent pipeline for the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre (AMC) to improve patients' lives.

Each Lee Foundation Scholarship award is for S$20,000, and may vary where applicable. To meet the different needs of students at various points of their journey in learning and practicing Medicine, the Scholarship is a single year award that can be used for tuition fees, educational as well as living expenses.

To be eligible for the Scholarship, candidates must be enrolled in full-time Doctor of Medicine-Doctor of Philosophy (“MD-PhD”) programme or Doctor of Medicine (“MD”) programme, with excellent academic accolades and/or strong research background. Preference will be given to Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents and those with demonstrated financial need.

The Shaw Foundation was established by philanthropist Tan Sri Dr Runme Shaw in 1957 to provide funds that would help charitable endeavours in Singapore with their missions. Since inception, the foundation has contributed over US$150 million to a myriad of organizations. Through generous Shaw Foundation Scholarships, up to 4 select Duke-NUS students may receive an annual scholarship between S$10,000 and S$50,000.

Scholarship candidates must be full-time local or international students of Duke-NUS with an outstanding academic record, demonstrated leadership qualities with contributions made to the community. Assuming high academic and personal attributes are maintained, the scholarships are tenable for the 4-year length of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.

The Ngee Ann Kongsi was formed in 1845 by a group of prominent Teochew leaders who came from Ngee Ann county, Canton (Guangdong) province, China and was originally established to support the welfare of Teochew immigrants in Singapore. The Ngee Ann Kongsi (Incorporation) Ordinance was drawn up in 1933, and the Ngee Ann Kongsi formally incorporated as a charity. The Kongsi has since awarded numerous scholarships and bursaries to students pursuing tertiary education in Singapore.

Under the Ngee Ann Kongsi Distinguished Scholars Programme, Duke-NUS has been able to award between 2 and 4 Scholarships annually to select students, each scholarship with a value between S$10,000 and S$50,000 per year. Recipients must be Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident full-time students at Duke-NUS with financial need who have demonstrated an outstanding academic record. Assuming high academic and personal attributes are maintained, the scholarships are tenable for 4 years.

The Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple was founded in 1884. Since 1997, the Temple foundation has enabled the advancement of multiple charitable initiatives within education, healthcare, social services, and the arts. Duke-NUS awards 1 scholarship each year under the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Scholarship Programme, with an annual value between S$10,000 and S$50,000. The scholarship is usually awarded to a second-year medical student.

Recipients must be Singapore Citizens and full-time students of the School who have attained outstanding academic achievements and have demonstrated financial need. The scholarship is tenable for the full duration of studies, up to a maximum of 4 years.